India's Modi government takes action to regulate AI ahead of elections
The Indian government has instructed tech companies to obtain explicit approval before launching generative AI models or tools deemed 'unreliable' or 'under-tested.'
Additionally, companies have been cautioned that their AI products must not generate responses that pose a threat to the integrity of the electoral process, especially as the nation prepares for upcoming national elections.
This regulatory effort marks a departure from the government's previous hands-off approach towards artificial intelligence. Earlier statements to Parliament in April 2023 had indicated that there were no plans for legislation to regulate AI in India.
However, recent developments suggest a shift in this stance, with concerns raised about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration facing criticism for alleged authoritarian policies, including crackdowns on dissent and violence against religious minorities.
Junior Information Technology Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar pointed out instances where Google's Gemini allegedly violated Indian laws. He emphasized that being labeled 'unreliable' did not exempt companies from legal obligations. Chandrasekhar noted that Google had acknowledged the issue and attributed it to an unreliable algorithm, pledging to address the problem.
The government's advisory has sparked concerns among AI entrepreneurs about potential stifling effects on their burgeoning industry due to excessive regulation. Furthermore, there are apprehensions that, with national elections looming, the advisory might signal an attempt by the Modi government to selectively permit or prohibit AI applications, effectively asserting control over influential online spaces where these tools operate.
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